Cephalexin structure (racemic)
Find information on thousands of medical conditions and prescription drugs.

Keflex

Cefalexin (previously also British Approved Name Cephalexin) is a drug that is a member of the cephalosporin class of antibiotics. It is one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics. more...

Home
Diseases
Medicines
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
Clonazepam
K-Dur
Kadian
Kainic acid
Kanamycin
Kantrex
Kariva
Kayexalate
Keflex
Kefzol
Kemstro
Keppra
Ketalar
Ketamine
Ketanserin
Ketek
Ketoconazole
Ketoprofen
Ketorolac
Ketotifen
Kionex
Klor-con
Klotrix
Konazol
Korostatin
Kytril
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Indications

Cefalexin is used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections (including sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and pneumonia), skin and soft tissue infections.

It is used in preference to one of the penicillin group when greater target site concentration is sought, bacterial have developed penicillin resistance, or for people allergic to a penicillin (there being only a 10% cross-over of allergy between the groups).

Formulations

Cefalexin comes as capsules or tablets of 250 or 500mg, and liquids of 125 or 250mg per 5ml. It should be taken with a full glass of water.

It is marketed under a wide range of brand names (e.g. Biocef, Cefanox, Ceporex, Keflet, Keflex, Keforal, Keftab, Keftal, and Lopilexin)

Dosage

Typical dosage is 250mg every 6 hours or 500mg every 8-12hours, and doubled in cases of severe infection. Smaller dosages are used for children based on weight or age.

Courses generally last for 7-10days, but just 3 days in the early treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women.

Precautions

Cefalexin should not be taken by those known to be allergic to other members of the Cephalosporin group. Caution is required for those with known allergic to a member of the penicillin group as there is about a 10% cross-over rate between the groups.

Being a broad-spectrum antibiotic, its effect on gut flora may interfere with the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive pill.

Side Effects

Cefalexin is generally well tolerated with stomach or bowel upset the most likely side-effect. It may also cause fatigue or headaches.

Rarely allergic reactions, e.g. itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.

As per broad-spectrum penicillins, overgrowth with oral or vaginal yeast infections may occur.

Refereneces

  • FDA Drug Information PDF and Pharmacy Drug Information Insert.
  • British National Formulary '50' September 2005

Read more at Wikipedia.org


[List your site here Free!]


Advancis Pharmaceuticals acquires Keflex
From Daily Record, The (Baltimore), 7/2/04 by

Advancis Pharmaceutical Corp., of Germantown, which develops and markets novel anti-infective products, said it paid $11 million to Eli Lilly and Co. for the U.S. rights to manufacture, market and sell the Keflex brand of cephalexin. The third most prescribed outpatient antibiotic in the United States, cephalexin is used to treat skin infections.

Copyright 2004 Dolan Media Newswires
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

Return to Keflex
Home Contact Resources Exchange Links ebay